Casa Captivating
Exclusive Interviews
“Jazz Group of the Year” nominee, The Lao Tizer Quartet featuring Karen Briggs returns to Casa Romantica on Friday, January 28, 2022 in support of their latest Billboard Jazz Top 10 CD/DVD combo-pack release, Songs From The Swinghouse! Led by pianist, keyboardist, composer and former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, Lao Tizer (Special EFX, Down To The Bone), the group also features virtuoso violinist Karen Briggs (Yanni, Stanley Clarke), GRAMMY-winning drummer Gene Coye (Larry Carlton, Terence Blanchard) and GRAMMY-nominated bassist, Ric Fierabracci (Chick Corea, Blood Sweat & Tears). Read our interview below with Lao Tizer in advance of the concert!
How would you characterize your style of playing and how has it evolved over the years?
Our original compositions are a hybrid of musical influences from jazz, classical, rock & world music. Our sound has evolved naturally over the years, but we aim for memorable, melodic compositions with plenty of room for improvisation and spontaneity!
This will be your second time performing at Casa Romantica. How will this performance be different from the 2020 performance?
We’re so looking forward to returning to this gorgeous venue! We had a blast there in 2020 performing outdoors in the courtyard. In 2022, we’ll be in the intimate Main Salon, and our quartet will include violinist extraordinaire Karen Briggs.
What advice would you give to young artists looking to start a career in music?
Do it for the right reasons! Stay true to yourself and your music muse and voice. As Mark Twain wrote, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Keep growing, challenging yourself and learning and the sky’s the limit!
What is next for you in your career?
We’re looking to record our next album/video project in 2022. Although the concert at Casa Romantica is completely instrumental, we added vocalist Tita Hutchison to the group in 2016. She and I have co-written some really cool original vocal tunes which will be on the next album super excited to record those, as the live response has been amazing! So hopefully the concert business gets fully back to normal in 2022 and we can travel to the extent we’re accustomed to and more next year.
What sets Casa Romantica apart from other venues?
A truly epic and inspiring setting for anything art! Between the history of the grounds and architecture, to the breathtaking view of the coast, it’s just a very special place to make music.
Tickets on sale now for The Lao Tizer Quartet featuring Karen Briggs on January 28, 2022: $50 for General Admission, $45 for Members. Tickets include a pre-show reception with wine from Westerly Wines and appetizers from Carbonara Catering.
Watch their video below in preparation for the concert!
